While “warm” spring weather seems to be finally making an appearance in the Upper Midwest, we've had cold (but not frigid) highs and lows for the past several weeks. Some flowers in my vase this week have been budding and blooming since mid- to late March. They've had refrigerator-like conditions during that time; uncomfortable for humans, but excellent for maintaining blooms.
The Hellebore stems (Helleborus orientalis) I cut for the vase were lovely for a day, but I forgot it's best to cut them for arrangements after the pollen is dried or dropped. They were droopy too soon and, sadly, had to be removed from the arrangement. I'll add more. (Another good way to display Hellebores is face up in a bowl.)
I also included some Hellebore buds and foliage.
The Daffodil cultivars (Narcissus spp.) were the bright, sunny stars in the arrangement.
Daffodil foliage and...
Cuttings from Yews (Taxus cuspidata) provided framing.
Finally, I added a few stems from the Dwarf Forsythia. I believe it's Forsythia ‘Courtasol,’ but it was here when we moved in and there's no marker.
A simple, but bright, little grouping. Head on over to Cathy's Rambling in the Garden blog to celebrate “In a Vase on Monday.”
This is such a pretty arrangement, Beth, how lucky to have both daffodils and hellebores flowering at the same time. Here the latter tend to be past there best when the daffs start their show.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Annette. :) The timing seems to vary from year to year, but the cooler temps this spring are keeping things blooming as others begin to flower. There are so many elements to work with, and many more are just about ready.
DeleteSo pretty, the daffodils are just about the cheeriest flower ever. Adding the yew sprigs was perfect!
ReplyDeleteThanks...I agree about the Daffodils. I think I take them for granted, but there are so many wonderful things about them. The Yews were calling out--to help form structure for the grouping. ;-)
DeleteWell that is indeed a cheery spring vase, Beth, and that is a good point you made about the cooler weather - I wonder if that's why my hellebores have lasted so long this year? That paler daffodil with the curious middle looks really pretty, but you don't have a variety name?
ReplyDeleteThanks, Cathy. Spring started early this year, but then it's been in a holding pattern--not super frozen, but cold. Perfect for flowers, but not comfy for people. The past few days and the near forecast, however, are lovely and warm. I wish I did know the variety names of the Daffodils, but all the ones I have are either part of a mix that wasn't ID'd or they were here when we moved in. Love them all! :)
DeleteBeautiful... we still have no blooms, so I appreciate yours.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Carla. Things are really starting to "pop" down here, so it can't be long for you.
DeleteI love the burgundy and yellow combination, Beth. I wish I had enough of my own hellebore flowers so I could float them in a bowl! I'm luck to get a few flowers here and there, usually blooming on different schedules.
ReplyDeleteHi Kris: It's funny...I have several Hellebore plants with plenty of flowers. But I don't cut them much. They're very hardy and suited to this climate, so cutting them won't affect the plants (in fact, it might help). I should probably do the bowl display thingy more often.
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ReplyDeleteSuch a pretty bunch of spring beauties, Beth. I like the simplicity of the vase in contrast with the cheery flowers' form and coloring. Tina
Hi Tina: Thank you. They did seem to compliment each other. Now it's time to cut more Daffodils...so many more are blooming, and the wind has blown some over--perfect for cutting!
DeleteA beautiful spring vase Beth! The cold has definitely benefitted them, even if it hasn't pleased the gardener! Hope it warms up soon!
ReplyDeleteHi Cathy: Thank you. We are warmer, with more warmth in the forecast. So the humans are comfy now, and the flowers continue... :)
DeleteOh such a cheerful vase of spring treasures Beth 😍 Here we've had a good spell of dry sunny days with the temperatures well above average. It was a relief to see some much needed rain and the temperatures drop a couple of days ago. The flowers in the garden will certainly appreciate it and as you rightly mention the cooler weather lengthens flowering times.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Anna. I'm glad your temps are cooling a bit and you've received some needed rain. We are currently in a "normal" temp range after our cool early April. Still not hot, but more flowers are blooming. Sounds like we both have some good blooming weather in the forecast. :)
DeleteDo ornamental yews produce berries? (female) I had a memory of yews being toxic, so checked Wikip—answer: yes including pollen.
ReplyDeleteYes, they do produce berries and all parts of the plants are poisonous. While they are considered great cut floral arrangement elements, they must be kept out of reach of children and animals.
DeleteAbsolutely stunning photos.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Linda! They are inspiring subjects. :)
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